Oat milk vs Soy / Almond milk
Side-by-side comparison, when-to-use-each guide, and instant conversion. Reviewed for 2026.
Coffee, cereal, cooking — where creaminess matters most. UK's most popular dairy alternative in 2026.
Soy: protein needs, baking (behaves most like milk). Almond: low calorie, mild flavour.
| Aspect | Oat milk | Soy / Almond milk |
|---|---|---|
| Protein/100ml | 1g | Soy 3-4g / Almond 0.4g |
| Calories/100ml | ~45 kcal | Soy ~40 kcal / Almond ~20 kcal |
| Barista froth | Excellent | Soy: good / Almond: poor |
| Sustainability | Good | Soy: fair (deforestation risk) / Almond: poor (water use) |
Frequently asked
Which plant milk is healthiest?
Soy milk is most nutritionally similar to cow's milk (protein, calcium when fortified). Oat milk has more carbohydrates. For pure protein value: soy. For bone health: choose any fortified variant. For sustainability: oat is generally best.
Why does almond milk froth poorly?
Almond milk is mostly water with little fat or protein — the proteins needed to form stable foam bubbles. Barista-formula almond milks add extra stabilisers that improve frothing but add cost.
Frequently asked questions
Which plant milk is healthiest?
Soy milk is most nutritionally similar to cow's milk (protein, calcium when fortified). Oat milk has more carbohydrates. For pure protein value: soy. For bone health: choose any fortified variant. For sustainability: oat is generally best.
Why does almond milk froth poorly?
Almond milk is mostly water with little fat or protein — the proteins needed to form stable foam bubbles. Barista-formula almond milks add extra stabilisers that improve frothing but add cost.